Blood Fiend Dissipates and Guiding Incense

The Rebirth Incantation of Monk Hui Ming was like the morning sun piercing through dark clouds. While it couldn't completely dispel the accumulated malevolence of hundreds of years within the ancient pagoda, it successfully shook its foundation. The churning resentment became chaotic, the movements of the Ghost Soldier Guards grew sluggish, and even the blazing blood-red flames surrounding the Headless Ghost General Blood Fiend flickered like candle flames in the wind, its aura visibly weakening!

This crucial weakening became the final straw that broke the camel's back!

"Now!" Su Yan suppressed the waves of dizziness from his overused mental energy, but his eyes blazed with sharp light. He held nothing back, channeling the remaining Star Power within his body into the Compass, pushing the Star Track Deduction ability to its limit, not for prediction, but for—locking on!

An invisible trajectory made of Power of Stars instantly coiled around the massive body of Ghost General Blood Fiend as it wildly swung its giant blade, especially around its burning, severed neck core! This trajectory wasn't a restraint, but it made its energy flow and movement patterns clearer than ever to Su Yan!

"Brother Mo Hen, Armor-Piercing Crossbow, aim three inches to the left of the severed neck, the energy node!"

"Bai Zhi, Golden Cudgel Spell at maximum potency, stabilize its soul fire!"

"Star Vortex! Sky Rend Strike, follow my lead!"

Su Yan's voice was urgent and precise, like a commander on the battlefield. With the Compass's assistance, he seemed to possess an omniscient view, uniting everyone's strength into one force amidst the rapidly changing battle!

Mo Hen didn't hesitate. The mechanical crossbow instantly adjusted, and a specially made bolt etched with armor-piercing runes shot out like a viper from its hole, precisely hitting the location Su Yan indicated! Ching! The bolt deeply embedded itself into the solidified blood flames, not causing massive damage, but causing a sudden stagnation in the energy flow of that area!

Almost simultaneously, Bai Zhi clasped her hands together. Her Buddhist Chants rose high and solemn, and an incredibly condensed golden ring appeared out of thin air, tightly encircling the Ghost General's severed neck! The power of the Golden Cudgel Spell, amplified by the residual effects of the Vajra Demon Subduing Talisman, was unleashed to its fullest. The blood flames boiled and twisted violently, like water disturbed by a boulder. The Ghost General let out a pained mental roar, its movements instantly stiffening!

Now!

There was no need for Su Yan to say more. Star Vortex, who shared his thoughts, was already poised! The Star Map patterns all over its body erupted with dazzling silver light. The crystal on its forehead and the Star Vortex at its tail resonated, condensing all its strength, battle intent, and absolute obedience to its master's command into the next thrust! Star Vortex Sky Rend Strike—beyond limits!

"Whoosh—!"

A silver light condensed to the extreme, as if tearing a minuscule black thread in space, struck from behind, surpassing even sound! The instant Ghost General Blood Fiend was completely restrained, it precisely and completely penetrated the core of its severed neck!

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

The massive body of Ghost General Blood Fiend froze completely, its half-raised giant blade suspended in mid-air. The boiling blood flames at its severed neck abruptly retracted inwards as if their source had been extinguished, and then—

"Boom!!!"

Not a deafening explosion, but a dull, soul-level disintegration sound! Countless twisted, wailing phantom souls surged out from the gaps in the Ghost General's armor, and as the distant Rebirth Incantation from outside the pagoda echoed, they dissolved into wisps of smoke like melting ice and snow. Its heavy bronze armor shattered inch by inch, turning to dust. Its massive body began to collapse and dissipate like a sandcastle.

Pure experience energy surged into the bodies of the four, accompanied by some faintly glowing dropped items. But at this moment, everyone was too exhausted to care. They all collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath, their faces filled with the fatigue and joy of surviving a disaster.

[System: Successfully killed 'Headless Ghost General Blood Fiend' (Level 40 Boss)! Obtained massive experience points!]
[System: Congratulations on reaching Level 32!]
[System: Your summoned beast 'Star Vortex' has reached Level 32!]
[System: Successfully purified the core of the 'Lanruo Temple Ancient Pagoda Seal', preventing the Blood Fiend Ghost General's escape! Obtained 1000 Merit Points.]
[System: [Damaged Compass] absorbed a small amount of scattered rule-distorting power, repair progress increased to 60%! Unlocked new function: 'Energy Trace' (can track and analyze specific energy residues).]

A series of system notifications flooded the screen. Su Yan's level finally reached 32, his total spiritual power and purity reaching a new height. Star Vortex also leveled up synchronously, its aura becoming more refined. What surprised him the most was the 'Energy Trace' function unlocked after the Compass's repair reached 60%, which undoubtedly provided great convenience for tracking the End Times Cult and investigating the "Rule Tumor" in the future.

"Finally... it's over." Mo Hen wiped away nonexistent cold sweat from his forehead, looking at the dissipating remains of the Ghost General on the ground with lingering fear. "A Level 40 boss is indeed not something we can easily handle right now. If it weren't for Master Hui Ming's Buddhist Talisman and Rebirth Array, and Brother Su's magical Compass directing us, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Although exhausted, Bai Zhi's face showed compassion. She clasped her hands together and softly chanted a Buddhist name, "Amitabha, may this general and his soldiers be able to seize this opportunity to be reborn in the Pure Land and be freed from suffering."

Yun Ji nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping across the now empty first floor of the pagoda, finally settling on the Compass in Su Yan's hand. "Fellow Daoist Su's command during the battle was like an extension of his own arm. The Compass's contribution was immense. The mystery of this item far surpasses ordinary magical treasures."

Su Yan smiled and was about to speak when he saw Star Vortex nuzzle his hand with its head, emitting a soft "whimper." The crystal on its vertical eye showed a hint of fatigue, but more so satisfaction. He quickly took out food and Stardust Crystals to feed it, tenderly stroking its cold yet solid carapace. "You worked hard, buddy."

After a brief rest, everyone began to inspect the items dropped by the Ghost General. Besides a few good-quality [Blood Fiend Crystals] and [Dark Iron], the most eye-catching items were a palm-sized, damaged-edged [Tattered Military Token] that emitted faint spatial fluctuations, and a [Immortal Battle Soul Heart (Quest Item)] enveloped in dense blood-red light, constantly trying to break free but seemingly bound by an invisible force.

"This Battle Soul Heart should be the core that maintained the Ghost General's existence, and one of the manifestations of the rule distortion here," Yun Ji analyzed. "As for this military token... it seems to contain a faint spatial coordinate."

Su Yan picked up the Tattered Military Token. It felt cold to the touch. He attempted to inject a trace of spiritual power into it, and the token flickered, projecting an extremely blurry and incomplete map phantom, seemingly pointing towards an unknown corner of an ancient battlefield filled with the scent of smoke and death.

"It seems this Ghost General and his army have a story behind them," Mo Hen mused, stroking his chin. "This token might be related to a subsequent quest or a hidden map."

Just then, Monk Hui Ming's chanting outside the pagoda gradually ceased. Footsteps sounded, and the figure of the grey-robed monk appeared at the pagoda entrance. His face was even paler than before, clearly indicating that setting up and maintaining the Rebirth Great Array had taken a significant toll on him. However, seeing the dissipated Ghost General inside the pagoda and the unharmed group, a hint of relief appeared in his eyes.

"Amitabha, congratulations to all benefactors for successfully resolving this calamity," Hui Ming clasped his hands together. "The Ghost General has been vanquished, and its core resentment has been temporarily sealed within this Battle Soul Heart. I will seek a place of profound Buddhist teachings later to perform its transcendence. The greatest hidden danger here has been removed. The Ghost Princess in the temple, deprived of the Blood Fiend's nourishment, is still dangerous but can no longer pose a significant threat. In time, she may dissipate on her own, or await a fated person to guide her."

His meaning was clear: the core problem of the ancient pagoda had been resolved, and the crisis level of Lanruo Temple had significantly decreased. They no longer needed to confront the bizarre Wailing Ghost Princess head-on.

Su Yan handed the [Immortal Battle Soul Heart] and the [Tattered Military Token] to Hui Ming. "Master Hui Ming, it would be most appropriate for you to handle these items. This token seems to have another mystery to it."

Hui Ming took the Battle Soul Heart and carefully sealed it with Buddhist magic. He then looked at the token and pondered for a moment. "This item... seems related to an ancient battlefield ruin called 'Blood Barrier'. Legend has it that it was a fringe battlefield of the ancient war between humans, demons, and immortals. Many perished there, resentment filled the air, and space was extremely unstable. This might be one of the tokens to enter there. However, 'Blood Barrier' is extremely dangerous and by no means a place suitable for you all at present."

Another clue to a high-level map. Su Yan silently noted the name "Blood Barrier."

"Thank you for your great help this time, Master Hui Ming," Su Yan said gratefully again.

Hui Ming waved his hand, took down the large wine gourd from his waist, uncorked it, and took a big gulp. This action formed a peculiar contrast with his compassionate and detached demeanor. He wiped his mouth and smiled, "I merely acted according to circumstances to foster good karma. Benefactors carry heavenly destinies, and their future paths are arduous. I hope you can hold onto your original intentions and cleanse the impurities."

He paused and added as if casually, "Benefactor Su's Compass seems quite sensitive to Netherworld energies. If you wish to go to the Netherworld, traversing through the gaps in the Yin-Yang Path alone is extremely risky and difficult to reach the core. Perhaps... seeking the 'Ferryman' and taking the 'River of Forgetfulness' would be the proper way."

"Ferryman? River of Forgetfulness?" Su Yan's heart stirred. This was new information. "Please, Master, enlighten me."

"The Ferryman's whereabouts are elusive; one must be fated to meet them. However, they occasionally appear by bodies of water where Yin and Yang intersect and resentment is deep. Lighting this 'Netherworld Guiding Incense' might attract their attention." Hui Ming took out three long, dark-colored incense sticks emitting a strange, cold fragrance from his sleeve and handed them to Su Yan. "Remember, the Ferryman can be benevolent or malevolent, and the 'fare' they demand is also unusual. Be cautious."

[Netherworld Guiding Incense] (Special Item): Can be lit in specific environments, with a certain chance to attract the appearance of a Netherworld Ferryman.

This was an unexpected bonus! With this item, they would have more options for traveling to the Netherworld, perhaps avoiding the traps set by the End Times Cult at some unstable Yin-Yang Path entrances.

Having finished his instructions, Monk Hui Ming no longer lingered. He announced a Buddhist name, held his staff, and floated away, continuing his journey of wandering and guiding souls.

Watching the direction Hui Ming disappeared, Su Yan gripped the three incense sticks in his hand. The matter at Lanruo Temple was temporarily concluded, and their levels and strength had been somewhat improved and consolidated. Next, it was time to make more thorough preparations for truly entering the Netherworld. Should they first search for the "Ferryman," or use the Compass's new 'Energy Trace' function to continue investigating other strongholds of the End Times Cult in the human world?

New choices lay before them.